Donald F. Merrill, 82: Loved gardening, Boston sports

PORTLAND — Donald F. Merrill, 82, died June 5 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a battle with cancer.

Merrill was born in Portland on Nov. 28, 1929, the youngest of five children born to Philip and Alice Merrill. He graduated from Deering High School in 1947 and the University of Maine in 1951.

After graduation, he worked for Northeast Airlines before beginning his long career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation.

On Aug. 4, 1951, he married Charlotte Reynolds, who would be his wife for 60 years. They had four children.

Merrill was a congregant of the Woodfords Church in Portland, where he served as a Deacon and treasurer. He was a former president of the Brewer Little League and a longtime member of the Woodfords Club.

His favorite pastimes were gardening and cooking. He enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. He was a sports fan who love the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Deering High School football.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna; brother, William; and his sisters Marguerite, Barbara and Elinor.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; sons Stephen and his wife, Patty, of Windham, Gary and wife, Tina, of Portland; daughter, Julie Osgood of Anchorage, Alaska; seven grandchildren Gregory, Nicholas, Jonathan, Corey, Catherine, Max and Jared; two great-grandchildren Jacob and Sophia.

A celebration of his life was held on June 9. Private interment will be held at a later date.